Kinderhook forms new performance parts platform, RACE WINNING BRANDS

February 14, 2017

Acquires JE Pistons, Wiseco, Innovate Motorsports, K1 and ProX Racing

New York, NY – Kinderhook Industries, LLC (“Kinderhook”) announced today the formation of a new performance parts platform, Race Winning Brands (“RWB” or the “Company”) through the acquisition of Performance Motorsports International (“PMI”) from Dover Corporation (NYSE: DOV) (“Dover”). As part of the transaction, Dover will maintain a minority ownership stake in Race Winning Brands. This is Kinderhook’s 40th automotive aftermarket acquisition since inception and the third public / private equity partnership completed in the past 24 months.

Headquartered in Mentor, Ohio, Race Winning Brands is a leading manufacturer of performance and racing pistons and related engine components for the automotive and powersports performance markets. The Company markets its products internationally through several highly recognized brands including JE Pistons, Wiseco Performance Products, K1 Technologies, Innovate Motorsports, and ProX Racing Parts.

Brian Reese, Kinderhook Operating Partner, former Vice President of COMP Performance Group and most recently Divisional Vice President of Sears Holdings Corporation, will be joining Race Winning Brands as the Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Reese has over twenty years of experience fueling premium brands with innovative products and serving customers with best-in-class support in the automotive performance market. “I have long admired PMI and considered their brands as preeminent leaders in the automotive and powersports performance markets. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Kinderhook and the management team to lead Race Winning Brands in its next phase of growth.” said Mr. Reese.

“We are extremely excited to add Race Winning Brands to our automotive aftermarket franchise,” said Tom Tuttle, Managing Director at Kinderhook. “Race Winning Brands is a market leader with its focus on innovation, quality, and customer service. As part of our investment, we are adding to the Company Brian Reese, an industry insider, and additional Operating Partners with whom we have worked extensively in the automotive aftermarket.”

Bob Romanelli, a Kinderhook Operating Partner, will be joining Race Winning Brands as Executive Chairman. Mr. Romanelli has over 30 years of industry experience, including previously serving as President and CEO of the Mr. Gasket Performance Group, COO of RAM Products, Inc., and as Director of Operations of Echlin’s Fuel Systems Group. Mr. Romanelli was intimately involved in Kinderhook’s investment in Truck Hero, and remains actively involved in Kinderhook’s automotive aftermarket investments; Superwinch and Bestop. “As an active member of the automotive industry, both as an executive and as a racer, I have always been impressed with PMI,” stated Mr. Romanelli. “As Chairman of the Board, I look forward to working alongside Kinderhook and the management team to complete strategic acquisitions across the automotive and powersports performance markets.”

As part of the transaction, Kinderhook will also be adding David Ropp, a Kinderhook Operating Partner, to the Board of Directors. Mr. Ropp has over 35 years of industry experience, including previously serving as President and CEO of Dover Industrial Products, a former segment of Dover, and Director of Operations of Ingersoll-Rand. Mr. Ropp currently serves on the board of directors of Superwinch, a Kinderhook portfolio company manufacturing industry leading winches for off-road enthusiasts. “PMI is a recognized market leader within the automotive and powersports performance markets,” said Mr. Ropp. “Through the Company’s new partnership with Kinderhook, we will continue to grow and lead the industry with innovative product offerings and world-class manufacturing capabilities.”

Paul Cifelli, Managing Director at Kinderhook, stated, “A fundamental tenet of Kinderhook’s investment philosophy is identifying unique investment opportunities where our experience, abilities and network of Operating Partners can help create value. Race Winning Brands aligns perfectly with this investment philosophy. We are confident that Kinderhook’s proven ‘buy-and-build’ strategy will allow us to expand RWB’s leadership position in the automotive and powersports performance markets.”

Kirkland & Ellis LLP served as legal counsel to Kinderhook. Financing for the transaction was provided by a debt syndicate led by Antares Capital, Varagon Capital Partners, Madison Capital, and NewStar Financial.

About Kinderhook Industries
Kinderhook Industries, LLC is a private investment firm that manages over $2.0 billion of committed capital. We have made in excess of 150 investments and follow-on acquisitions since inception. Kinderhook’s investment philosophy is predicated on matching unique, growth-oriented investment opportunities with exceptional financial expertise and our proprietary network of operating partners. Our focus is on middle market businesses with defensible niche market positioning in the healthcare services, environmental / business services and automotive / light manufacturing sectors. We have a track record of successfully and consistently building industry leaders. In addition, Kinderhook is a licensed Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

About PMI
Headquartered in Mentor, OH, PMI is a leading manufacturer of high performance parts sold to the automotive and powersports markets. The Company is a leading supplier for high end pistons, as well as connecting rods, crankshafts, electronics, and other engine related components. PMI markets its products through several highly recognized brands including JE Pistons, Wiseco Performance Products, K1 Technologies, Innovate Motorsports, and ProX Racing Parts. PMI sells to a diverse and unmatched customer base of professional and sportsman racers, engine builders, enthusiasts, street performance racers, OEM crate engine builders, and automotive and powersports wholesale distributors. With its differentiated value proposition, PMI has established broad coverage across both automotive and powersports applications and channels, with sales offices in strategic locations throughout the US, Canada, and Europe.